Manipur art & culture minister L. Jayantakumar Singh said four museums in Manipur will be soon upgraded to international standard.
The four museums are Indian National Army (INA) museum at Moirang, Manipur State Museum, Imphal and two museums inside Kangla.
Minister Jayentakumar said this while speaking at the launch of two-day National Seminar on INA and North East India held at INA Martyrs’ Complex, Moirang, 45 km south of Imphal on Saturday.
The seminar was held to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian National Army and Provisional Government of Free United India, being organised by Maulana Abul Kalam Institute of Asian Studies, MAKAIAS Kolkata.
MLA P Sharat Singh (Moirang), director Dr Mundayat Sasikumar of MAKAIAS Kolkata and vice chancellor Prof T.V. Kattimani of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh were also present at the event.
Minister Jayantakumar said despite being an intrinsic part of the Indian freedom struggle, the historical significance of Moirang is unfortunately unknown to many people in the country.
“There is a need to propagate and create awareness on the significance of Moirang to the people of mainland India and beyond,” the minister said.
The two-day national seminar relating to INA and North East India aims to cover the initial days of the INA, Japanese military intelligence operation and arrival of Subhash Chandra Bose and the enlarged INA and United Free India Provisional Government under his leadership.
The minister maintained that the seminar would discover the important role played by the heroic forces of INA from the Northeast region of India.
The people of Northeast India played a significant role in INA.
The Battle of Imphal and the Battle of Kohima are recognised as some of the greatest battles fought during the freedom struggle of India.
Research scholars, teachers, students from different colleges of the state, officials from Art and Culture Department, senior citizens were also present at the opening function.